Eastern States Exposition

What Eastern States Exposition does

Eastern States Exposition (ESE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1916 and headquartered in West Springfield, Massachusetts. It operates a multi-venue fairground complex anchored by The Big E, America's only multi-state fair and the 4th largest agricultural fair in North America, attracting over 1.5 million visitors during its 17-day annual run. The organization generates revenue through ticket sales, food and beverage concessions, retail merchandise, vendor booth rentals, sponsorships, year-round facility rentals (Coliseum, Better Living Center, Mallary Complex, Stroh Building, Young Building), and charitable donations through the ESE Foundation.

Its core product portfolio includes The Big E, the Hooplandia 3-on-3 basketball tournament, the Fiber Festival of New England, the ESE Horse Show, Storrowton Village Museum (a historic 18th-19th century New England village), the Eastern States Farmers Market, year-round facility rentals, and the West Springfield Tartan branded merchandise line. ESE serves four primary customer segments: the agricultural community (farmers, 4-H/FFA youth, livestock exhibitors); general public consumers seeking entertainment and family experiences; corporate/commercial exhibitors renting facilities; and educational institutions participating in programs and field trips.

ESE receives no state or federal funding and operates with 11-50 employees under a Trustee governance model representing the six New England states. The organization generates $1.167 billion in regional economic impact across New England and New York, has invested over $6.09 million into the ESE-West Springfield Trust since 1995, and awarded over $500,000 in cash premiums and $119,000 in scholarships in 2025. Its GTM motion is event-driven, with diversified marketing across website, social media, email, PR, and community partnerships, and a distribution network spanning direct on-site sales, online ticketing, and e-commerce.

Name

Eastern States Exposition

Legal name

Eastern States Exposition Foundation

Website

https://easternstatesexposition.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1916

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Eastern States Exposition is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1916 that operates The Big E, America's only multi-state fair and the 4th largest agricultural fair in North America, attracting 1.5M+ visitors annually, alongside year-round events, facility rentals, and historic preservation at Storrowton Village Museum.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Fair Operations & Event Venue Management

NAICS

Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131), Historical Sites (712120)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH)

akta.pro secondary industry

General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows (MPAGAFAA)

Keywords

• Agricultural fair management
• Event venue rentals
• Livestock exhibitions
• Historic village museum
• Community foundation programs

Headquarters

HQ city

West Springfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. The Big E Event Operations: The Big E generates the bulk of total revenues through ticket sales, food and beverage concessions, retail merchandise, and vendor booth rentals during the 17-day annual fair. The event attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually and features agricultural exhibitions, entertainment, and commercial exhibits.
2. Facility Rentals: Year-round event facilities including the Coliseum, Better Living Center, Mallary Complex, Stroh Building, and Young Building are rented to external event organizers for various functions including trade shows, concerts, and competitions. The organization generates revenue through venue rental fees and associated services.
3. Sponsorships and Partnerships: Corporate sponsorships and marketing partnerships with businesses seeking access to the large annual visitor base and brand exposure during The Big E and other events.
4. West Springfield Tartan Merchandise: Sale of merchandise featuring the official West Springfield Tartan pattern, including accessories, apparel, and gift items. Proceeds benefit community organizations and the ESE Foundation.
5. Donations and Foundation Support: The ESE Foundation builds philanthropic support through donations to preserve the Exposition's legacy and fund educational and agricultural programming. The organization receives no state or federal funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Eastern States Exposition is a nonprofit operator of a multi-venue fairground complex in West Springfield, MA, anchored by The Big E — a 17-day annual agricultural fair that is America's only multi-state fair and the 4th largest fair in North America. The organization produces year-round events (Hooplandia, Fiber Festival, Horse Show, Yuletide at Storrowton), preserves Storrowton Village Museum (a historic 18-19th century New England village), hosts more than 200 regional and national livestock competitions, and rents its facilities to third-party event organizers. Revenue is generated primarily through gate admissions, concessions, vendor fees, facility rentals, sponsorships, and charitable donations.

Product overview

Eastern States Exposition operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization managing a multi-venue fairground complex centered around The Big E, America's only multi-state fair and the 4th largest agricultural fair in North America. The portfolio includes major annual events (The Big E with 1.5M+ visitors, Hooplandia basketball tournament, Fiber Festival of New England, Yuletide at Storrowton), historic preservation through Storrowton Village Museum, competitive agricultural programming with livestock and horse shows, the Eastern States Farmers Market, and facility rental services. Community initiatives include the ESE-West Springfield Trust, Agriculture is Our Culture video series, and Agricultural Adventurers Award program. Merchandise offerings include West Springfield Tartan branded products. The organization generates regional economic impact exceeding $1.2 billion annually.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Big E: America's only multi-state fair and the cornerstone event of Eastern States Exposition, one of the oldest and 4th largest agricultural fairs in the US.
• Hooplandia
• Storrowton Village
• Fiber Festival of New England
• Yuletide at Storrowton

Products and services

• The Big E (Annual Multi-State Fair) A 17-day annual agricultural fair held at the West Springfield fairgrounds that attracts over 1.5 million visitors each year. Features agricultural exhibitions, livestock shows, entertainment, concerts, food concessions, retail vendors, and commercial exhibits. The Big E is the 4th largest fair in North America by Carnival Warehouse ranking.
• Hooplandia Basketball Tournament An annual 3-on-3 basketball tournament held at ESE's fairgrounds the third weekend in June, attracting basketball enthusiasts from across the region.
• Storrowton Village Museum A historic preservation site representing an 18th-19th century New England village on ESE grounds. Provides hands-on learning programs including 'A Day in the Past' student programs, 'Early American Summer Days,' seasonal festivals, and educational tours for families and school groups.
• Fiber Festival of New England An annual fiber arts festival held at the Mallary Complex featuring vendors, demonstrations, and workshops on spinning, weaving, and knitting. General admission $10 for ages 13+; children 12 and under free.
• ESE Horse Show One of the oldest and most respected horse shows in the U.S., running for 11 of 17 days during The Big E. Includes Hunter Show, Saddle Horse Show, Draft Horse Show, and 4-H Horse Show, with over 300 exhibitors from 19 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces. Awards over $85,000 in cash premiums in 2025.
• Yuletide at Storrowton A 50-year tradition holiday festival at Storrowton Village Museum featuring festive activities, seasonal celebrations, and colonial New England experiences during the December holiday season.
• Agricultural Competitions and Livestock Shows Over 200 regional and national livestock shows annually with more than 3,600 livestock exhibits representing 32 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces. Includes 4 national livestock shows, 9 regional livestock shows, 25 dog shows, and additional horse shows outside The Big E. Awards over $500,000 in cash premiums and $119,000 in scholarships to 7,100+ 4-H/FFA exhibitors in 2025.
• Facility Rentals Rental of ESE's buildings and venues — Better Living Center, Coliseum, Mallary Complex, Stroh Building, and Young Building — to external event organizers for trade shows, exhibitions, concerts, and corporate events year-round. Year-round event parking is $5 per vehicle (cash only).
• West Springfield Tartan Merchandise Official West Springfield Tartan merchandise including hairbows, pocket squares, scarves, dog bandanas, socks, keychains, hats, gloves, and accessories. Tartan is officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans (Certificate #11459) and a swatch is archived in the National Records of Scotland. Sold via Eastern States Farmers Market, Cooper's Gifts, retail pop-ups, and online via the ESE website.
• Eastern States Farmers Market Farmers market operating at ESE grounds featuring local produce, artisan goods, and agricultural products including award-winning wines from regional wineries.
• Maple Harvest Day and Pancake Breakfast Annual maple-themed event held in March at Storrowton Village Museum featuring pancake breakfast, maple syrup tastings, and educational demonstrations about New England maple harvesting history.
• Agriculture is Our Culture Initiative Video series and educational initiative highlighting farmers and agricultural stories from throughout New England. Features episodes on Great Brook Farm Sugar House, Mineral Hills Winery, E. Cecchi Farms, Yankee Rock Farm, Cook Family Farm, and other New England agricultural operations.
• ESE Scholarship Program Robust scholarship program awarding over $500,000 in cash premiums and $119,000 in scholarships during The Big E 2025, plus over $100,000 in awards at non-fair agricultural events. Includes Trustee Scholarships, West Springfield High School scholarships, the Ruby Morris 4-H Scholarship, and the ESE 4-H Beef Auction Scholarship.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1.5 million visitors attended The Big E in 2025
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Scottish Register of TartansminorOthersThe West Springfield Tartan is officially registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans (certificate #11459). The tartan design was created in Scotland through the assistance of West Springfield resident Gerry Healy, and a swatch is archived for permanent preservation in the National Records of Scotland.
• Explore Western MassminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional tourism partnership directing visitors to accommodations, restaurants, and area attractions in the Greater Springfield region. ESE President and CEO Gene Cassidy serves as Chair of Explore Western Mass.
• ESE-West Springfield TrustcoreOthersTrust funded annually with 1% of ESE's gross operating revenue to support local schools, youth programs, senior services, veterans, community organizations. ESE has invested over $6.09 million since 1995. The Trust has donated $370,970 to 34 local organizations.
• West Springfield Town GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerESE is one of the Town of West Springfield's largest economic contributors, providing over $2.2 million in direct payments and community support in 2025 through real estate taxes, public safety services, utilities, and municipal fees.
• International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerESE participates in IAFE Convention and Trade Show, winning awards for photography, agriculture and innovation. The organization hosts OABA Jamboree, an annual fundraiser for the Outdoor Amusement Business Association.
• Outdoor Amusement Business Association (OABA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOABA Jamboree, an annual fundraiser bringing together fair and carnival industry leaders, takes place at ESE during The Big E. OABA leadership advocates before Congress on behalf of amusement industry employees.
• Massachusetts Agricultural Fairs Association (MAFA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerESE staff present media awards at MAFA Conference annually, recognizing excellence among Massachusetts agricultural fairs.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• North Carolina State Fair: Major state fair operated on a multi-building fairgrounds complex with a strong agricultural exhibition tradition. Comparable to ESE in scale, livestock and youth programming, and the use of fairgrounds facilities for year-round events.
• National Western Stock Show: Annual livestock show and exposition held in Denver, with strong overlap to ESE's livestock, horse, and youth agricultural programming. Comparable in event-driven model and reliance on a multi-purpose venue complex for agricultural and consumer audiences.
• State Fair of Texas: Largest state fair in the U.S. by attendance, operating Fair Park in Dallas. Comparable to ESE in combining livestock/agricultural programming with mass-market entertainment, food, and exposition vendors, and is the standard benchmark for Big E's 4th-place Carnival Warehouse ranking.
• Calgary Stampede: Canada's premier agricultural fair and rodeo, drawing ~1M+ visitors over 10 days. Comparable to ESE in combining livestock competitions, agricultural showcases, and mass-market entertainment in a single flagship event with significant regional economic impact.
• Pennsylvania Farm Show: Largest indoor agricultural exposition in the U.S., featuring livestock, equine, and 4-H/FFA competitions alongside consumer events. Comparable to ESE in scale of agricultural programming and youth participation, though Pennsylvania Farm Show is government-operated rather than nonprofit.
• Indiana State Fair: Nonprofit-operated state fair with strong 4-H/FFA and livestock programming, plus year-round use of the Indiana State Fairgrounds for consumer events. Closely comparable to ESE's nonprofit fairground model and mix of agriculture, education, and consumer entertainment.
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Largest livestock exhibition and rodeo in the world, combining agricultural competition, entertainment, and a year-round events calendar at NRG Park. Directly comparable to ESE on livestock/agricultural programming scale and on the model of using a multi-building venue complex for both owned and third-party events.
• Wisconsin State Fair: Major Midwestern state fair with a strong agricultural exhibition tradition and year-round use of the Wisconsin State Fair Park for expos and events. Highly comparable to ESE in format, scale, and mix of livestock judging, 4-H/FFA programming, and consumer entertainment.
• Minnesota State Fair: Operates one of the largest and best-attended state fairs in the U.S. (~2M visitors), with a similar mix of agricultural exhibitions, livestock shows, entertainment, and food. ESE and the Minnesota State Fair are benchmarked against each other in the Carnival Warehouse ranking that places The Big E 4th in North America.
• Ohio State Fair: Major state agricultural fair operated by a nonprofit on the Ohio Expo Center grounds. Directly comparable to ESE in being a nonprofit operator of a multi-facility fairground complex that runs a flagship annual fair alongside year-round exhibitions, livestock shows, and facility rentals.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@easternstatesexposition
• Facebookfacebook.com/easternstatesexposition
• Instagraminstagram.com/easternstatesexposition
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/eastern-states-exposition

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Eastern States Exposition